Training provided online through the IRS "Link and Learn" program for becoming a certified tax preparer to aid elderly and low-to-moderate-income taxpayers

For the second year, the United Way Regional Volunteer Center is looking for volunteers to prepare taxes for elderly and low-to-moderate-income taxpayers. Training will be available online by the Internal Revenue Service beginning Nov. 14 for the 2011 Tax season, said George Kuebler, VITA facilitator for Porter County, with the United Way Regional Volunteer Center.

"Key to the success of the program is having volunteer tax preparers to accommodate the increasing number of people who need no-cost tax preparation," added Kuebler. "Last year the VITA volunteers prepared taxes for more than 200 tax clients," he said. "In addition to welcoming those volunteers back, additional volunteers are desired so the service can be offered to more people who need it."

Legislation is going through the United States Congress to make it easier for small businesses in America to benefit from crowd-funding. Look for more on this topic in an upcoming edition of BizVoice (via a column from Kevin Hitchen, a founding member of LocalStake). For now, The Wall Street Journal blog relays:

The U.S. House advanced legislation this week that would make it easier for smaller companies to raise money from investors.

House lawmakers, in overwhelming bipartisan votes, completed work Thursday on four bills as the measures drew interest in the Senate. President Barack Obama also signaled support for at least one of the bills.

The United Way of Porter County is looking for volunteers for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA provides FREE tax service to residents with low - moderate income, seniors, and people with disabilities.

A no-obligation informational coffee to learn about the program and how YOU can become a VITA Volunteer, has been scheduled for 9 am Monday, December 5th at the at the United Way of Porter Co. office, 951 Eastport Centre Dr. in Valparaiso. Due to limited space, please RSVP at (219) 464-3583 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This is a wonderful way to make an impact on someone's life by providing FREE tax service and see what a difference it makes in your life as well as others.

This quarterly event is co-hosted by Business Women United Network, the Indiana Commission for Women and the NWI Small Business Development Center.

In the first of the series, experts in the field of social media and the law will focus on how to traverse the social media waters in a business-savvy manner.

Kathy Sipple of My Social Media Coach and Tina Bengs of Ogletree & Deakins Law Firm will highlight how to use social media effectively as a marketing and communications tool and detail key etiquette principles.